Training camp is vital to the success of an NFL team each year. It can also be dangerous because so much hard, physical work can often create more risks of injury. The Chicago Bears are not exempt from this. While none of their players have suffered any season-ending varieties thus far, several starters have missed multiple practices with various ailments. Now the bad news struck again, this time in an unwelcome spot. Mere weeks after finally getting healthy, the Bears wide receiver position was hit again.
Reports out of Wednesday’s practice indicate not one but two players suffered lower body injuries. Chase Claypool, who’s dominated much of camp, came up limping with what appeared to be a hamstring issue. Then a few minutes later, Equanimeous St. Brown tweaked his ankle.
This is not the development Chicago needs. Justin Fields is making positive strides this month. Claypool is a big part of that. If that hamstring issue is significant, he could miss several weeks. St. Brown, while not a primary option in the passing game, is a big part of their special teams and run blocking. Both would be notable losses.
The Chicago Bears do have some hope.
One added note about the update is that Claypool didn’t leave practice after the incident. Normally if an injury is significant, he leaves the field with a trainer to get checked out. While the receiver didn’t return to drills, he also didn’t leave the field. That offers hope the hamstring issue was minor, and he was held out as a precaution. The same goes for St. Brown. Alex Leatherwood was the only player to leave the field with an injury and then leave practice with a trainer.
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Much of this will depend on Matt Eberflus. His injury updates fall into two categories. If it’s serious, he will provide details about what is going on. If it isn’t, he won’t say much of anything. So if the Chicago Bears head coach doesn’t provide much information on Claypool or St. Brown at his next presser, take it as a good sign. The only thing that matters now is ensuring those two are healthy for Green Bay next month. Both will be needed if the Bears finally want to knock off their rivals.
